Embalming composition



Patented July 21, 1936 1} umrso QMBQSH N Hilton Ira-Jones, Wilmette, Ill., assignor to The Nasclmocfinrnoration, Ghioa' o, 111., a corporati r: of 9 9. ram;-

prl c n ary 4.! 19 5; r se water is (stat- 2 2) My invention relates to the art of embalming and has to do more particularly with an improved composition of matter which is especially adapted for application to the outside of a body, more especially the human body, for the hardening of outer tissues which are not readily affected by the usual hardening solutions introduced into the arterial system of the body.

It has previously been suggested that such outer tissues be hardened by applying to the surface thereof the usual tanning solution, such as formaldehyde or the like, absorbed in a cotton sponge, although this method has never been satisfactory, due to the fact that the solution tends to run off. In order to avoid the difiiculties attendant on this procedure attempts have also been made to provide emulsions of tanning agents, as, for example, formalin in oxycholesterin. Such emulsions have been far from satisfactory because of the tendency of formaldehyde to oxidize in the presence of air, resulting in an increase in acidity, whereby the emulsion apparently changes phase from formalin in oxycholesterin to oxycholesterin in formalin. At any rate, the material in which the formalin has substantially changed to formic acid, resulting in a dropping in pH value, has become modified from a viscous and adhesive material to a slithery one which will not adhere to the skin of the body.

An object of my invention is to provide a substantially permanent stable emulsion of a tanning agent which is normally oxidized to form an acid, such as formaldehyde, an emulsion of which, after such oxidation, will normally tend to break or reverse phase, as described above. I have found that I can stabilize such an emulsion through theuse of a buffer salt which will tend to prevent any substantial drop in pH as a result of the oxidation of the tanning agent.

My preferred buifer is'sodium racemic lactate. However, various alternative buifers may be used with satisfactory results, such as sodium tartrate, sodium citrate, and the like.

In accordance with a preferred method of practicing my invention, a fatty substance, together with the buffer material, is emulsified with the tanning agent in aqueous solution, said emulsion Example The following formula is given as an example of one manner of practicing my invention, al-

though it should'be understood that said formula is not to be considered as limiting with regard to the ingredients or proportions thereof:

Parts by weight In lieu of oxycholesterin I may use metacholesterin or iso-cholesterin, or mixtures of these materials in any desired proportion. Various other fatty substances may also be used, for example, lanolin. 15

The fatty material and formalin are usually whipped together, the formalin being added gradually as the emulsification progresses. For this purpose I may use a Hobart mixer or any other suitable device. The emulsifying agent is pref- 2Q erably added after about three-fourths of the formalin has been added. The result should be a composition of buttery or harder consistency. The liquid soap is then added and the material is whipped again. While I have specified mineral 25 oil above, substantially any neutral oil of the required viscosity will be satisfactory. Oil may be beaten into the material in any quantity to give the desired consistency which will permit the material to adhere to the skin of the body.

30 If desired, a perfume may be used, which may be incorporated in the oil.

It will be understood that other tanning agents may be used in lieu of formalin. For example, para-formaldehyde or a formaldehyde paste, such 35 as is readily obtainable on the market, one such paste consisting of about parts of formalin incorporated with 10 parts of glycol-stearate. In the claims, where the word formaldehyde is used, this will be understood to include the various modifications of formaldehyde herein discussed which would be obviously equivalent for my purposes.

In another mode of practicing my invention, glycol stearate (di-glycol stearate) may be emulsified with 40% formalin, at an elevated temperature, in the ratio of about 1 to 4 parts by weight (1 stearate to 4 formalin). The emulsion thus formed jells on cooling to form a paste, which is beaten into oxycholesterin, and the other ingredients, such as emulsifier, soap, and oil are introduced as described above. This method is found especially convenient.

Various other modifications coming within the spirit of my invention will doubtless suggest themthe body and of sufficiently solid consistency -to." adhere to the surface thereof, comprising,.an,.

emulsion of formaldehyde in a fatty substance and including as a buffer sodium racemic lactate in insufiicient quantity to "prevent' substantially.

lowering of the pH of said composition and consequent breaking of said emulsion.

2. A composition as described in claim in the fatty ingredient is at least one constituent I breaking of said emulsion.

of lanolin. 7-3.4 plastic embalming composition especially adapted forhardening tissues from the outside a of the body and of sufficiently. solid consistency V to adhere to the surface thereof, comprising an emulsion of formaldehyde in glycol stearate and. oxycholesterin and including a'bufier agent capa ble of preventing a substantial drop in pH of said composition and consequent breaking of said .:body andzotsufiicientlysolid consistency to adhere t'o'the 'surface thereof, comprising an emulsion of formaldehyde in a'fatty substance containing at 5 least one constituent of lanolin, and including a buffer agent capable of preventing a substantial drop in pH of said composition and consequent HILTON m JONES. 

